Discover Brisbane's Funky Fortitude Valley

Fortitude Valley is shakin’ its tail feathers, with new developments and openings increasing the dimensions of this favourite inner-city hang out.

Breaking the boundaries of Brunswick, Ann and Adelaide Streets, innovative hotels and eat streets have stretched the Valley precinct hotspots to cover its full length from Bowen Hills to New Farm.

Where to Shop

James Street, at the New Farm end of Fortitude Valley, still holds the title of best shopping street with a long list of desirable homeware stores, kids shops and fashion.

When it comes to homewares, think St. Barts for uniquely crafted goods and clothing with a Caribbean influence or Brooklyn-style sass at West Elm. Fill your bedroom and bathroom with fresh new sheets and towels from Bed Bath N’ Table or update your dining table with the latest styles from Wheel&Barrow.

Want to delight the youngest family member? Kids rule at Baby Bunting and Pottery Barn Kids.

Fashionistas should put Dinosaur Designs unique resin jewellery on the list and match it with something special from Camilla, Camargue or David Jones. The newly opened David Jones store has a bespoke edit of fashion from local and international sources along with expert advice from a personal shopper at your disposal.

Where to Eat

Find food, food and more food on Brunswick Street. Start with coffee and breakfast at Reverends and follow with lunch at Giardinetto, which has been serving traditional Italian cuisine to Brisbanites for more than 50 years. Browse the menu to see how tastes have changed.

For dessert, try the secret childhood delight of edible cookie dough made fresh daily at DoughLord in fantastic flavours such as peanut butter brownie, quad chocolate and almond and white chocolate.

On Ann Street, Bakery Lane has two new additions. The New Black is where coffee roasters who hail from The Black Lab Coffee Co strut their stuff with a breakfast, lunch and evening menu.

Cakes & Shit is a small cake shop next door to The New Black where you’ll find delectable apple cheesecakes, double-choc brownies, carrot muffins topped with lemon cheese icing and good old-fashioned tea cakes.

James Street continues to deliver with stalwarts such as Harveys Bar and Bistro, Gerard’s Bistro and Bucci Restaurant offering the sort of meals that keep people coming back time and time again. There’s much to explore and discover here from delicious cakes and burgers to irresistible Vietnamese.

Running between St Paul’s Terrace and Bowen Hills, King Street is another new dining destination filled with exciting options. Don’t forget to check out Welcome to Bowen Hills, a new permanent food truck venue.

What to Do

You can wander Fortitude Valley’s streets and admire the amazing array of street art. Just remember to look up, peer down alleyways and always expect the unexpected. If you like your art a little more on the conventional side, head to Philip Bacon Galleries just off Brunswick Street to see the current exhibition at this nationally and internationally acclaimed private gallery.

Pop into Mitchell Fine Art to see a selection of Australia’s leading contemporary artists and TWFINEART for the latest art trends from around the world. After all that walking you’ll need to waft away on a cloud of delight with a little foot pampering at the Thai Foot Spa in James Street. Finish your exploration with the latest movie at Palace Centro.

Where to Drink

The Valley is known for its wide variety of drinking spots and vibrant nightlife, but if you are looking for somewhere a little away from the crowd, try the rooftop bar at Spicers Balfour. Located just off Brunswick Street at the New Farm end of Fortitude Valley, this small bar has one of Brisbane’s most iconic views over rusty, red rooftops to the city.

Eleven Rooftop Bar on Ann Street is another spot for sunset viewing and watching the night unfold on the Valley’s streets.

Where to Stay

So new the paint is hardly dry, FV by Peppers is the distinctive Flatiron building at the very edge of the Valley at the top of Alfred St near St Paul’s Terrace. Inspired by New York’s Flatiron building and with New York influences throughout, FV’s three towers are called Flatiron, Valley House and No. 1. Luxe amenities include a heated, u-shaped skyline pool with spectacular views and in-pool seating overlooking Brisbane’s CBD. There's also a moonlight cinema, yoga retreat, fully-equipped gym and three VIP spa lounges available for hire overlooking Brisbane’s CBD and Story Bridge.

Sage Hotel, on James Street, is another new contender for the Valley. Built around the iconic Queens Arms, Sage Hotel combines a traditional façade with modern hotel interiors. The location is perfect for anyone intending to shop their heart out on James Street or enjoy an inner city stay.